Greece to sign deal for two Italian frigates

Greece will sign a final contract in September to buy two Italian navy frigates as part of a wider military modernisation programme, the Greek defence ministry said Wednesday.

Defence Minister Nikos Dendias is due to sign the contract for the Bergamini-class FREMM ships in Rome on September 8, the ministry said. It did not give the cost.

The first warship is expected to be transferred in the first half of 2028 and the second one year later.

Greece's conservative government last year launched a 12-year, 25 billion euro programme to re-equip its military with new fighter jets, ships and other equipment. The FREMM frigates were jointly developed by Italy's Fincantieri and France's Naval Group.